Happy Holidays!

It's the might before Christmas and I'm running around like a crazy person, wrapping, baking, cleaning, you get the picture. But I wanted to take a moment and wish you a Merry Christmas. I love hot chocolate at the holidays! I just finished making it for my kids. I do have a receipe for a more "grown up" version of this traditional yummy drink. Just make the hot chocolate according to your normal reciepe, then add Bailey's Irish Cream and a tiny amount of perppermint scnapps. Then top with whipped cream and stir with a candy cane! Like Chrismas cheer in a glass. Thanks for visiting and I hope you'll continue in the new year!

Best In Shoe

These may be the best shoes I have ever worn. They are the Banana Republic Ashley Ballet Flat and retail for $98. The sole is synthetic but the uppers are all leather and they have a memory foam cushioned sole and a very slight interior wedger which gives them more support that totally flat shoes like the Tory Burch Revas. I have foot issues these days. A combination of bunions (gross I know) and athritis in one ankle caused by a long ago compound fracture have made heels harder than they were. I have long loved the look of J Crew flats but find them increasingly expensive for the quality and frnakly, not comfortable.  I love my revas but they are expensive and have zero support. These babies may ber perfect on every level. The price is quite reasonable for the quality and Banana is know for their promotions. I bought the beauties in camel and gold above yesterday for 40% off which came to $63 and since the 40% promo is still on in stores, I am thinking of running back at lunch for the leopard ones and maybe one other pair. They come in tons of fun colors too!

The Nutcracker



I love The Nutcracker Ballet. It's my favorite holiday tradition. We go every year with my daughter CMB and my sister and her son as well as my parents. it s special day and one we look forward to all year long!

 

 CMB and a friend!

 CMB and her cousin, CMO

 My parents with both kids

 CMB and I inside the Opera House and out!

A Trip to the Tree Farm!

We have a holiday tradition around getting our tree. We go to a tree farm in Half Moon Bay and cut it down together. This year it was cold and wet but we were not put off!

 

 

 CMB setting off in pursuit of the perfect tree

 

 This is my husband (DJB) and myself. Ever since we have had the kids, pictures of the 2 of us are few and far between

 

 MMB and CMB, still searching. It took longer than usual this year

 

 MMB

 

CMB and OPB introduce the winner!

 

Do you have a tradition around your tree?  Both my mom and sister have gone the artificial tree route but I just cant. To me the smell of a real tree and the adventure of picking one out is part of the holiday fun. 

A Big Boy Now

It's hard to realize my baby is growing up! He starting middle school this fall and I really see a difference in his confidence and independance level. This weeend he organized a whole group of friends in a pick up football game at the local high school. The all texted back and forth and rode their bikes to meet up and tehn home again. It was like a big boy playdate and I didn't talk to anyones mom to set it up. Then today, some of the same friends called and he went over to their house, walked in to town to see a movie, had ice cream and played video games in the acrcade before coming home. He has a part time job as an youth umpire for baseball and half of his "fun money" comes out of his own back.  He's turning into a responsible young man and I'm so proud!

Favorit Movie Time

Do you have a favorite holiday movie? One that your holiday season isn't complete if you don't watch?  For me that movie is "Its A Wonderful Life". I know it's old and kind of cheesey but I adore it.  I have it on DVD and watch it at least once. during the season. Sometimes on Christmas Eve after the kids go to bed. It always makes me feel good. How about you? Do you have a favorite?

Makes me Smile

I love this shot from J Crew.  It's from their holiday catalogue several years ago.  I don't know which year exactly but I just love it.  It makes me smile.  I have a smilar coat from J Crew in red and have thought often of trying to duplicate this with a yellow skirt but not been able.  I think the models name is Anouck (not sure if I'm spelling that right) and she was one of my favorites. I'd try anythingt o get that soft rose flish and berry stained lips she used to sport. I like this look so much better than what I see at j Crew these days. The model is bright and happy, she looks like she ate breakfast and went for a run.  She also looks like she combed her hair.  I really dislike the messy hair and huge glassess look their models are sporting these days. Maybe I'm showing my age?  Anyway, this picture makes me smile every holiday season so I wanted to share.  Hope it makes you smile!

Little Touches

It's the little touches that make the holidays feel special.  I love tartan, especially around the holidays and these Tartan mugs  are perfect for apple cider/hot chocolate/eggnog or whatever warming beverage you might desire. They are from Pendleton which is a brand I recall loving growing up but havn't visited much recently.  I don't have special Christmas china, although I'm currently drooling over some but I might bring these little babies home to had a little touch of fun!